The famous literary icon – Williams Shakespeare once said “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them”. This historical expression aptly captures the frame of this unique personae known as RAL, an incontestable enigma in Ibadan land at a ripe age of 80. Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, a man of many parts.
A lover of the people, an unrepentant traditionalist, accomplished politician, cultural ambassador of Ibadan land, a business mogul with a midas touch, and octogenarian with a youth – like strength. Oba Ladoja, a man blessed with uncommon wisdom, a repertoire of knowledge and a consummate traditionalist, gifted with rare understanding of his environment and people. The IBILE G-7 of Ibadan salute you on this momentous occasion of your 80 years birthday.
According to the leader of IBILE CLUB, before Oba Ladoja’s attainment of this milestone, he had distinguished himself in every sphere of life. His relationship with his people has been marked with utmost cordiality and deep understanding. The former governor was loved by the highs and the lows. He is respected in the community as an elder-stateman with unparalleled integrity and uncommon candour as an Oba in Ibadanland.
The unmatched wisdom with which he discharged the tasks assigned him by the Olubadan stool, endeared him to the rich and poor in the society. Ladoja maintained his dignity and commands respect as the Head of the Kingmaker.
The IBILE Club applauds him for his brilliance as a first-class chief and as member of the inner caucus of Egbe-Agba, the traditional council of chief. The Club noted that he had demonstrated enough strength as custodian of Ibadan tradition, culture and history with the belief that the ancient city of Ibadan will never play second fiddle to any part of Yorubaland. Though regarded as controversial due to his principled stance on issues.
Oba Ladoja postures as a foremost gate- keeper of Ibadan traditions and culture – which unarguably, he holds in high esteem and fully committed to maintaining its sanctity. Once again on this momentous occasion, we hail this hero of Ibadan land.
e-signed by
Lanre Ogundipe
Olajide Laniyonu
President and Secretary
IBILE G-7
